No thanks, I'll pass

From today's email inbox:

As part of the Civil Rights Conference, the Counseling Center is sponsoring an activity called "Caps of Distinction." This interactive workshop provides an opportunity for students to experience what it would be like to have a different identity and enhances empathy for others. It provides valuable preparation for participating in a multicultural workforce and functioning within a diverse campus community.

Unfortunately, we have had very little response to this activity. We are suggesting that professors offer extra credit for this experience and/or bring a class to the workshop, which will be held Tuesday at 11 am in the University Center. The workshop will last for one hour. Certificates of Attendance will be available.

Please contact us by NOON on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25th to let us know if you are planning to have students attend. We need a minimum of 15 students for this to be a worthwhile exercise, so we will cancel if an insufficient number of students are signed up. It would be a shame for our students to miss the opportunity to learn about others who are different than they are - this is crucial knowldge in today's world. Please CALL the Counseling Center (7720) on Monday morning to let us know if you wish to have students participate.

Thank you.

[emphasis mine] At least this kind of thing is still voluntary at my institution. If it fails this year, however, I can foresee a change in policy.